BioShock Dev. Irrational Games Pub. 2K Games Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99-$69.99At this point, there's really not too much more to say about this sci-fi shooter under the sea. Gorgeous graphics, a compelling story, amazing atmosphere, and tight controls combine to form a game that is worthy of all the critical praise it has received. Enjoy everyone, and here's to hoping the boss doesn't see you leaving work early. - ship

Best Deal:There are lots of deals to be had on Bioshock. Amazon, Circuit City, and Fry's are all selling the Xbox 360 version for $50. Circuit City is also selling the PC version for $40.

Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day Dev. Nintendo Pub. Nintendo Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99I hear your mom has a birthday coming up. I'm sure she'd enjoy 17 new brain -teasing activities including "Days and Dates", "Determine the Time", and "Calculate the Height". I case you were wondering: it's Tuesday the 21st, around 6:30 AM, and I'm about 5'11". Oh, and tell her I said happy birthday. - ship

Best Deal:Both Circuit City and Fry's are selling Brain Age 2 for $15 this week.

Brunswick Pro Bowling Dev. Point of View Pub. Crave Entertainment Systems: PS2, PSP MSRP: $14.99, $19.99If real-time changing lane conditions and officially licensed Brunswick gear doesn't immerse you deep enough into the world of bowling, try cooking up a batch of fish sticks, putting them in a bowl, and then submerging your hands in the bowl for 15-20 minutes. There, now all ten faithfully recreated bowling alleys will be brought to life in a treat for all five senses. (Re-submerge as needed.) - ship

Best Deal:Deep Discount saves you a dollar on each version of Brunswick Pro Bowling.

Dragoneer's Aria Dev. Hitmaker Pub. NIS Systems: PSP MSRP: $39.99The recent flood of portable RPGs continues with this turn-based title set in a world of fantasy. To try and set itself apart from the crowd, Dragoneer's Aria features an impressively deep battle system and a monster soul capturing aspect that allows you to use these captured monsters as summons. Okay, so not entirely unique, but there are Dragons and a popular crossword puzzle answer in the title. - ship

Best Deal:There aren't any great deals on Dragoneer's Aria but EB/Gamestop is offering a free art book.

I Spy Fun House Dev. Big Blue Bubble Pub. Scholastic Systems: DS MSRP: $29.99Based upon the book of the same name, parents can feel good thinking their kids are playing a game that is teaching them something. I've never been certain what you learn from these Where's Waldo-esque books, but get to staring and pointing my impressionable youth. - ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for I Spy Fun House.

Jeanne D'Arc Dev. SCEJ Pub. SCEA Systems: PSP MSRP: $29.99This strategy RPG title has a fantasy spin based loosely on Joan of Arc and is brought to you by the makers of Dark Cloud (Level-5). Set in the 100 Years War being fought between France and England, you play as the 17-year old Jeanne and her mystical friends. Instead of being limited to a few chosen moves that each character is assigned, the game uses skill stones that can be changed to alter each party member's killer moves. Also, there are great side missions to make for lengthy entertainment. There's more to the gameplay than can fit into this brief preview, so here's what you need to know: the game is well balanced between strategy and fast-paced RPG battles, the graphics look phenomenal, and the game is getting 9.0 and up ratings. So, for only $30, this game belongs in your PSP library. - mrs. ship

Metropolismania 2 Dev. Crave Entertainment Pub. Natsume Systems: PS2 MSRP: $14.99(Deja Preview) Yes, there was a Metropolismania. No, it's not a Superman puzzle game (which would be sweet!). It's Sim City with dated graphics and more personal gameplay. Build your city, convince people to live in it, talk to them, and receive gifts. So, if you were looking for Truman Show/Dead or Alive Extreme Beach Volleyball minus the volleyball/RollerCoaster Tycoon without the coasters, then this game for the last generation PS2 is yours for only $15! Score! - mrs. ship

Best Deal:Deep Discount is offering Metropolismania 2 for $14 shipped.

The Settlers Dev. Blue Byte Pub. Ubi Soft Systems: DS MSRP: $I have to confess, I really wanted this game to be an Oregon Trail knock-off. I mean, the DS touch screen would be awesome for shooting those little squirrels, wouldn't it? But alas, this title is a RTS similar to Age of Empires. It was, however, originally a PC game. Rumor has it that this game is chock full of dull moments of gameplay, so you might want to wait for some additional reviews before spending your cash. The reviews coming from Europe aren't at all favorable. Alas, Little Jenny has cholera. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:The Settlers is a EB/Gamestop exclusive so there are no deals at this time.

Turn It Around! Dev. Majesco Pub. Majesco Systems: DS MSRP: $19.99For some really crazy screen shots, check out Turn It Around! for the DS. This new title is a mini-game compilation in which all the mini games are based on a rotating motion. The touch screen is transformed into a turn wheel, and the gamer must use the wheel to hit home runs, destroy blocks, and perform other random tasks in one of 24 mini-games. The title looks like fun and is only $20, but might get bowled over by the recognizable Brain Age II also coming out this week. If you or someone you love digs these mini game compilations, this one might be worth checking out! - mrs. ship

Best Deal:There don't seem to be any specific deals for Turn It Around.

Two Worlds Dev. Reality Pump Pub. South Peak Interactive Systems: PC, 360 MSRP: $49.99-$69.99This RPG is widely known as the Oblivion knock-off. There are orcs, a huge map, dwarven armor, and the standard heroic storyline. There are even dragons and the ability to set traps. Overall, the game looks good. The graphics are nice, the battle system is as to be expected, and the world in which you play is cool. But ask me to give you one reason to buy this game instead of the Big O? I'm speechless. - mrs. ship

Best Deal:Fry's is selling the Xbox 360 version of Two Worlds for $50. Family Video is offering it for $54 shipped.

Neutopia Systems: Wii MSRP: $6Knock-offs aren't always bad. After all, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This TurboGrafx 16 title looks a bit, well a lot, like Zelda. Since I decided not to use my Wii Points on Paper Mario, I bought Neutopia for $6. And I played it.

Here's my commentary: A bad guy took the pretty girl. Whoa, I didn't see that one coming. And she's a Princess. Innovative. And there are 8 medallions. I must find them. If a baddie ever decided to hide all the artifact parts in one location, god helps us, I'd be lost. Ooooo, I have a sword. Sweet. In this strange land, the rupees are called gold. Seriously though, this game is good, entertaining, and well worth the $6. Plus, I've never played it before, so it's new. Sort of. - mrs. ship

Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master Systems: Wii MSRP: $8Duh, we all knew the Ninja Master wouldn't be dead for long. I mean, he's a master for goodness sake. This game was originally released for the Genesis and is widely regarded as the best title in the series. But, as all good Sega games, it's part of the Sega Genesis Collection and should only be bought by those who don't own a PS2 or PS3 and who don't want twenty-something other good games along with it. - mrs. ship

Super Metroid Systems: Wii MSRP: $8Samus returns in what is widely considered to be one of the greatest 2D action-adventure games of all-time. Get a refresher course before Metroid Prime 3 hits next week. - ship

Street Trace: NYC Systems: 360 MSRP: $10Combat, hoverboard racing. There just aren't enough of these niche titles. At least there's multiplayer, so you can race against your friends. That is, if any of them bought this game for $10. Try out the demo first. - mrs. ship

Feedback:

Did we miss a good sale on a game? Did we miss previewing a game completely? Well, the only way that everyone can know a better deal is out there is to let us know about it. Post deals you've found or games that we missed in the thread so that CAGs can make sure they are getting the absolute best prices on new releases.

I hadn't really even heard of Two Worlds before now. I'm actually interested in it now. Being a Oblivion knock-off isn't a bad thing unless it's a Poorman's Oblivion knock-off. If it can deliver the same type of gameplay, that's a good thing because Oblivion is done (with the exception of the GOTY edition which will have the already released content) and some of us don't want to wait three years for more. Oblivion is a year and a half old... plenty of time for other developers to improve on that standard. Hopefully this game can live up to those who have played out Oblivion.

Your mention of a Where's Waldo game for the DS made me immediately think of Find Mii... a game which I loved and am hoping a sequel will be made with expanded play. But that also made me wonder: why Miis aren't available on the DS?? One of the best things about the Gamecube was the push for connectivity with the handheld system. So why isn't the DS more involved with the Wii? Especially since they both have built-in wi-fi! Being able to download your Mii seems like a no-brainer. There are loads of potential Mii-DS possibilities, such as a home on the DS that your Mii decorates with trophies awarded by playing Wii games. Please use your clout to make this happen.

As far as contests, how about:Actually having a contest to name your "Random" segment.orA contest to come up with new segment ideasorListeners can set a montage of Ship's mispronunciations to music!

#8
Whipt
Do I have some on my face
CAGiversary! 1305 Posts Joined 11.2 Years Ago

I hadn't really even heard of Two Worlds before now. I'm actually interested in it now. Being a Oblivion knock-off isn't a bad thing unless it's a Poorman's Oblivion knock-off. If it can deliver the same type of gameplay, that's a good thing because Oblivion is done (with the exception of the GOTY edition which will have the already released content) and some of us don't want to wait three years for more. Oblivion is a year and a half old... plenty of time for other developers to improve on that standard. Hopefully this game can live up to those who have played out Oblivion.

Before you get your hopes up, watch some videos of the game in action and read some of the Euro impressions of the game.

I'm amazed you have mice. My cat would never let one get by him. Or crickets, or anything else that moves. Of course, he also chases things he thinks he sees (that as far as I can tell don't exist), so maybe he's just a weird one.

I think the only way that 'Urban Yeti!' could be even better is to put a z on the end. Urban Yetiz! sounds so much better!

For the segment on the games you're going through to see if you're going to keep, I like the name "Depth Charges." And, for the record, ship was WAAAAY too excited about Brunswick Pro Bowling.

Ship, please let us know if you find some deal on Luminous Arc (or even if you don't, what your impressions are). I'm guessing that like most Atlus games, if you don't buy that one early, you run the risk of not being able to find it again...

- Turn it Around is a localized "Mawasunda" as someone stated. All you do is spin a turntable left or right, through various mini-games. That would be fun, but the wheel is unresponsive as hell. Arkanoid is a PITA that way. The game makes me fell like a hamster on a wheel, spinning, spining, spinning for no reason.

- Ship. I love hearing about your cheap $3-$5 finds. Finding a hidden treasure for less than ten bucks is this CAG's dream. If the Mrs. gives you crap about it, tell her that DesertEagle loves hearing about it. I'm sure there are a few other twisted souls out there.

- Congrats on lucky 13.

Some ran-damn nautical names for segments:
"Sailer's Delight" (Game of the week)
"Drop the Anchor" or "Down the Hatch"(Crap of the week to be sent 50 fathoms)
"Scuttlebutt" (Gaming gossip)

This week's show was much better than last weeks'. You both were very pleasant to listen to and the extra time spent on the clearance GBA games was nice. There are many games that are often overlooked and I think that you two should bring up an older game and review it or at least talk about it during Down With The Ships.

Interesting random choice - LOTR Third Age. I happen to be playing another LOTR game off my backlog: LOTR BFME II (for the 360). LOTR 3rd Age is nothing like that, of course. But I also have the GC version of LOTR 3rd Age on my eternal backlog . Maybe I'll give it a shot soon...

The Bioshock hype has gotten to me even though this is SO FAR from the type of game I'm normally into. I think I'll blow one of my free Coke Rewards Blockbuster rental coupons on it. YES, I'm willing to invert THAT MUCH into playing it . (Seriously, though, I usually save those for games for the kids so to use it on something like this is a bit of a change-up for me).

Still listening to the rest of the show - interesting comment about how everyone would be playing Bioshock and probably not listening. I thought everyone would be playing it today as well, but I checked around 6pm Pacific and of my 60+ friend's list (99% CAGs) only 12 people were on at all and of those, 5 were playing Bioshock, and 5 were playing the "skate." demo (the other 2 were playing Madden and Tenchu). I was fairly surprised I didn't see 20+ people playing Bioshock given all the hype here on CAG.

I'm guessing you didn't pick up Hexic 2. But if you're looking for someone to play Carcasonne with let me know. I got it when it first came out and haven't played it too much yet.

Interesting random choice - LOTR Third Age. I happen to be playing another LOTR game off my backlog: LOTR BFME II (for the 360). LOTR 3rd Age is nothing like that, of course. But I also have the GC version of LOTR 3rd Age on my eternal backlog . Maybe I'll give it a shot soon...

The Bioshock hype has gotten to me even though this is SO FAR from the type of game I'm normally into. I think I'll blow one of my free Coke Rewards Blockbuster rental coupons on it. YES, I'm willing to invert THAT MUCH into playing it . (Seriously, though, I usually save those for games for the kids so to use it on something like this is a bit of a change-up for me).

Still listening to the rest of the show - interesting comment about how everyone would be playing Bioshock and probably not listening. I thought everyone would be playing it today as well, but I checked around 6pm Pacific and of my 60+ friend's list (99% CAGs) only 12 people were on at all and of those, 5 were playing Bioshock, and 5 were playing the "skate." demo (the other 2 were playing Madden and Tenchu). I was fairly surprised I didn't see 20+ people playing Bioshock given all the hype here on CAG.

I'm guessing you didn't pick up Hexic 2. But if you're looking for someone to play Carcasonne with let me know. I got it when it first came out and haven't played it too much yet.

Wow, my friends list had 26 people on last night and 18 of them were playing BioShock. I think 3 were playing the "skate." demo, 1 was playing Shrek the 3rd, another was playing Rayman Raving Rabbids, and I can't remember what the rest were playing.

Yeah, we haven't picked up Hexic 2 yet, but I still see that as a probable purchase sometime down the road. Super Puzzle Fighter is coming out next week, so I'm kind of waiting for that one for my $10 puzzle game.

Your last podcast pretty much just made my life. I've never been mentioned in the radio before--let alone fake internet radio!!

After listening to the bit where you mentioned me about 50 times, I suppose I should get along and listen to the rest of your show now...

Thrilling, isn't it? The first time Cheapy answered one of my questions on the CAGcast, I got a huge grin on my face. Now it happens pretty regularly and I'm able to play it cool. But if my wife is in the car, she says "That's you!!!"

Anyway, great show, Ships. I too enjoyed the side trip to $5 GBA land. One of the things that I love about this show is the balance between new releases and obscure old ones. Keep it up!

Oh, and you don't have to use my suggestion of "Depth Charges," but please, PLEASE eschew "Randamn the Torpedoes." It was funny bad the first time I heard it. Now it's just bad bad.

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